Field Trips

Going places with geography

It’s touted as the best part of a university geography degree, but what do students actually get up to on a field trip? Trip organisers and students share their experiences...

Grand Palace, Brussels Belgium

Talking politics in Brussels

Where to?

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, to explore how space, place and politics interact with its geography.

Who goes?

First-year human geography students at the University of Kent.

Itinerary?

The three-day visit aims to give students a flavour of urban-related activities in the city. You’ll visit local attractions and explore how the city’s history and political reality affect the urban environment. There are opportunities to meet and question European policy makers and hear policy debates run by the European Committee of Cities and Regions, on topics such as the European Green Deal.

Climbing mountains in Morocco

Where to?

The Toubkal massif, Morocco’s highest mountain group

Who goes?

Second year physical geography students at The University of Manchester.

Itinerary?

After a day spent exploring the bustling souks of Marrakesh, students head into the hills. First up is a reconnaissance walk across the mountains. Some students may look at former glacier sites or nearby rivers, while others will consider landslides. A highlight is heading to see the famous Arroumd landfall or, in Professor Philip Hughes’ words, ‘the big pile of rocks’.

What they say..

‘Programmes like these offer hands-on experience of how we can prepare ourselves for bigger challenges ahead, like climate change. Trips give students a flavour of what geography is about beyond the classroom. It equips them with a better understanding of what their professional future could look like and what debates and agendas they might engage with when they finish their degree.’ – Jonathan Rock Rokem, lecturer in human geography

What they say...

‘Field trips are a valuable part of a geography degree. We give students a lot of independence to do their own research. It’s good preparation for their dissertation.

But it’s also great for student CVs – they have to work in a team, design the project themselves, and present their findings.’ – Philip Hughes, professor of physical geography

Sharpening social skills in Mallorca

Where to?

Mallorca, for a week zipping across the Balearic island.

Who goes?

An interdisciplinary trip for second year geography students at the University of Bristol.

Itinerary?

Day one begins with a coach trip to explore sites of geographical interest – think scouting out caves in the mountains. After that, staff lead activities for small groups. Past focuses have included researching the impact of agriculture on hydrology, considering land use and measuring tourism’s impact. There’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the island’s excellent bars, too.

What they say... ‘The aims are to expose students to a totally new environment – a different physical and climatological environment to where they live, which will help them think about what goes on beyond our own borders. They learn important research skills but also sharpen their capabilities in producing independent field research. Field trips are the most memorable part of a degree – and the most fun bit.’ – Katerina Michaelides, associate professor, School of Geographical Sciences

Unearthing ruins in the Yucatan

Where to?

The verdant lowlands of the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico.

Who goes?

Third year University of Nottingham students completing a tied-in geography module.

Prowling the Peak District

Where to?

The uplands of the UK’s Peak District National Park.

Who goes?

First-year students at the University of Birmingham.

Itinerary?

This four-day trip begins with a hike up 517m Mam Tor. From there, days are spent putting observation techniques into practice. That might mean doing water chemistry tests and macroinvertebrate sampling in Burbage Brook, then heading to Tideswell Dale to start soil sampling and take field observations at a cement quarry the next.

Exploring rural Kerala

Where to?

Kerala state, on India’s sun-scorched Malabar Coast.

Who goes?

Second year students studying developmental geography at King’s College London. city of Kochi. Students hit the ground running, exploring colonial influences in the town. Then, it’s down to palmfringed Kottayam to observe the rural economy in action, with a trip to a fishing village by wooden boat. Based out of a local hotel, the next few days are preserved for preprepped individual projects. Students head out in small groups, working in partnership with tourism students at a local college who act as facilitators and translators, to observe land tenure regulations or interview regional tourism officials. Evenings are free, with chances to visit nearby villages.

Itinerary?

Students fly into Cancun, travel across to Merida before heading south to a University of Yucatan UADY field station. Days are a mix of project-based fieldwork and visits to key archaeological sites, such as forest-clad Ek Balam and the stately pyramids of Chichén Itzá. Spot spider and howler monkeys in Putna Laguna Reserve and the pink flamingos of Celestún.

What they say...

‘Field trips make your studying experience more exciting. On the day we did water sampling, I got to try on waders (super long wellies) and stand in the middle of a deep stream to measure the bed attributes. It was great fun trying to stay balanced in the water and – because it was a foggy day – the view was ethereal.’ – Louisa K. Osei, final year BSc Environmental Science student